Houses washed to sea in Solomon Islands storm

brisbanetimes.com.au senior reporter

The aftermath of storms that hit Honiara, in the Solomon Islands. Photo: Supplied to Andrew Jeremijenko

A natural disaster is emerging in the Solomon Islands, with early reports of one person killed and two people missing in an overnight tropical storm that was washed away homes, cars and bridges in the nation’s capital Honiara.

Brisbane medico Andrew Jeremijenko is working in Honiara as a medical evacuation doctor and has described the devastation.

‘‘There is a widespread disaster developing here and we are sure there will be more than the bridge in Honiara out,’’ Dr Jeremijenko said.

Solomon Islands storm

The Solomon Islands capital of Honiara has been devastated by a storm that washed houses out to sea and wiped out a bridge. Photo: Supplied to Andrew Jeremijenko

‘‘There are trees across roads, flooded roads, and roads and bridges will be out across the main island of Guadalcanal.

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‘‘Some cars have already been swept off roads and other people have been washed out.

‘‘But most people are now aware and have been evacuated from the danger zone.’’

Dr Jeremijenko said one of his Solomon Islands aid workers had lost her house and possibly several of her family members.

‘‘One of my co workers here - a Solomon Islander - had her family members washed out to sea,’’ Dr Jeremijenko said.

‘‘One has been confirmed as dead - her uncle - and one of the children was found and picked from the sea.

‘‘She is now in the hospital I am told.

‘‘Two of her family members are still missing and the family house has gone.’’

Dr Jeremijenko said Honiara’s main airport was now closed.

The Australian Government was now preparing a response to the storm damage, a spokeswoman from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

“The Australian Government is working with the Solomon Island Government and donor partners to assess the situation and any need for Australian assistance, " she said.

Dr Jeremijenko said an emergency services helicopter had flown out to assess the damage throughout the island nation.

"I was here in February 2009 and there was a similar problem. I am the AME [aeromedical evacuation] doctor and the helicopter is just going out to do a disaster assessment," he said.

Henderson International Airport in Honiara is experiencing flight delays and cancellations.

Australians intending to travel to or from Honiara over the next few days should contact their airline or travel agent for further information.

The Travel Advice for the Solomon Islands was updated on April 3.

Those concerned about the welfare of their Australian family and friends currently in Honiara should attempt to directly make contact.

People unable to contact Australian family and friends can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1 300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).